Mariner Family,
I love our school, do you love our school!
Our gifts as educators and parents are meant to be shared and used to benefit others; essentially, the purpose of receiving a gift is to give it away to others in service and love.
Subject: Celebrating Our Classroom Wows and Wonders!
Dear Mariner Family (Students, Staff and Parents),
We are thrilled to share the incredible highlights from a recent visit to our kindergarten through eighth-grade classrooms. Our school had the privilege of hosting a distinguished group of educational leaders, including our Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, District Directors, Coordinators, Principals, and Assistant Principals from across the district. Their visit provided an opportunity to showcase the amazing teaching and learning happening every day at IHCS.
Here are the Wows and Wonders they observed:
Positive Classroom Culture
Energy and Engagement: Classrooms were filled with positive energy and high levels of student engagement. Students took on leadership roles, collaborating effectively in groups and as a whole class.
Student Confidence: Teachers and students demonstrated confidence in the learning process, with students eagerly participating and showcasing their understanding.
Classroom Community: A strong sense of community was evident in every room. Classrooms radiated warmth, support, and an inclusive environment where every student felt valued.
Effective Teaching Practices
Clear Routines and Procedures: Teachers have established consistent routines and expectations that support student learning. This structure creates a low-stress environment where students can thrive.
Seamless Transitions: Lesson transitions were smooth and efficient, maximizing instructional time and maintaining student focus.
Teacher Preparedness: Teachers exhibited professionalism and readiness, ensuring that every minute of instruction was purposeful and impactful.
Instructional Excellence
Dynamic Lessons: Lessons were broken into short, engaging segments, allowing for multiple checks for understanding. This kept students engaged and attentive throughout.
Strategic Use of Timers: Students practiced self-regulation using timers to stay on task and focused.
Phonics and Literacy: In kindergarten classrooms, students were actively engaged in phonemic awareness, decoding, and writing activities. Student encoding following Heggerty phonics lessons was a particular highlight.
Visible Learning Brilliance: Classroom walls displayed student work and learning resources, creating an environment that celebrates student brilliance and provides visual support for ongoing learning.
Student-Centered Learning
Student Voice: Students’ voices were heard and valued. Students confidently explained their learning, shared their thinking, and took ownership of their academic journey.
Participation and Engagement: Student confidence and competence were evident as they eagerly engaged with learning tasks, often leading discussions and group work.
Reinforcement Systems: Our Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) were in action, with students earning Mariner Money for their participation and positive behaviors.
Middle School Excellence & Thinking Math Lessons Excellence at All Grade Levels
Outstanding Teaching and Student Leadership: In third through eighth-grade classrooms, outstanding teaching practices and strong student leadership were clearly on display. Students demonstrated independence, took initiative, and led their own learning experiences.
History Lessons: History lessons were dynamic and engaging, encouraging students to analyze, discuss, and connect historical events to real-world contexts.
AVID Tutorials: Our AVID tutorials provided students with opportunities to collaborate, engage in higher-level thinking, and develop problem-solving skills. Students worked together to deepen their understanding of key concepts.
Thinking Math Classrooms: Math lessons fostered critical thinking and problem-solving. Students engaged in productive struggle, explored multiple solutions, and actively discussed mathematical concepts, showcasing deep understanding and persistence.
Our visiting leaders left with a profound sense of pride in the incredible work being done at IHCS. Their words of affirmation celebrated the professionalism, passion, and purpose that our staff bring to their classrooms each day. These Wows and Wonders reflect our collective commitment to fostering strong student engagement, promoting student-led learning, and maintaining a positive and supportive school community.
Thank you to our dedicated teachers, support staff, parents and students for making this visit a resounding success. Your hard work at school and home, preparation, and daily commitment to excellence do not go unnoticed. Together, we continue to build a culture of learning where every student can thrive. 5 Days Left in 2024! Let’s Finish Strong! Together. Always together.
With gratitude and pride,
Mr. Candelaria, Principal
Mrs. Barry, Assistant Principal
Mr. Castro, Assistant Principal
